Executive sessions not cover-up–Poe

MANILA, Philippines–Sen. Grace Poe on Tuesday said the Senate’s executive sessions on the Special Action Force debacle were not intended to cover up the responsibility of certain officials but to ensure that national security would not be compromised.

Poe, who chairs the public order committee leading the inquiry, also said her panel wanted to know the extent of the foreign involvement in the police mission, but she declined to confirm or deny if the alleged role of the United States in the matter was discussed during the closed-door meeting yesterday.

News reports said that US operatives had been monitoring the operation, known as “Oplan Exodus.”

“We are with you in wanting to know the extent of foreign involvement because… if there’s nothing wrong, then there’s no reason why we should hide the information. We’re just being careful on when we’re going to release and to what extent,” Poe told reporters.

The Senate, in an executive session, on Tuesday questioned resigned PNP Director General Alan Purisima and the Intelligence Group director, Senior Supt. Fernando Mendez, on what they know about the Mamasapano debacle.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said Purisima did not clam up during the executive session. “He testified, he answered questions, didn’t invoke any executive privilege, so we got information,” Drilon told reporters. But he declined to provide details.